The Care Quality Commission (CQC) says a care home in Tilehurst requires improvement after it found the service it provides is not always safe or well led.

During an inspection of Tilehurst Lodge the CQC found the service was effective, caring and responsive but safety measures were inadequate and the care home's leadership required improvement.

Following an unannounced visit on Thursday, October 15 inspectors compiled a report which raised concerns about fire safety, the registered manager's leadership and cleanliness at the care home in Tilehurst Road.

However, Affinity Trust, which runs the care home, insists it has taken steps to rectify the issues highlighted in the report.

Inspectors wrote: "A number of risks related to the environment were present within the service.

"Fire doors were being propped open with items of furniture preventing automatic closure in the event of a fire.

"Some of the Affinity Trust’s high standards were not met, which we deeply regret."

"Fire equipment was not checked frequently to ensure it was functioning appropriately. Where issues were highlighted in checks, action was not taken to rectify the problem.

"This was a particular concern where water temperatures were exceeding the maximum safe temperature."

It also stated: "The home was found to be dirty. Toilet rolls and hand washing handtowels could not be found in the communal cloak rooms and bathrooms.

"A significant pungent odour was present in these rooms, specifically on the first floor."

They said the manager did not complete audits of any documents and was unaware of paperwork shortcomings. They also said staff did not maintain accurate records.

"We have also taken a number of further steps to ensure that this situation does not arise again."

At the previous inspection in July 2014, the CQC found that the Tilehurst Road care home provided a responsive service but it required improvement in every other area which was assesed.

But after their latest visit they found that the service had become more effective and caring, as both areas gained good ratings.

The CQC has not taken formal enforcement action but has asked the care home to take action to rectify its shortcomings. Inspectors will also check that action has been taken at a later date.

"We are satisfied that Tilehurst Lodge is safe for those who live there"

Affinity Trust chief executive Leo Sowerby said: "In the case of those who live in Tilehurst Lodge some of the Affinity Trust’s high standards were not met, which we deeply regret.

"We addressed these concerns as soon as these were drawn to our attention during a Care Quality Commission inspection visit on October 15 last year.

"We have also taken a number of further steps to ensure that this situation does not arise again."

The company states shortly after the inspection it brought in a new manager, cleaned the home, establish a cleaning schedule, repaired fire doors, enforced weekly fire checks and repaired the hand basin where the water temperature was too high.

It also claims to have had a senior manager visit the home and complete a health and safety check with the manager, which they will continue to do on a monthly basis.

Mr Sowerby added: "As a result of these actions we are satisfied that Tilehurst Lodge is safe for those who live there, and we welcome a further inspection visit from CQC in the near future.

"It should also be noted there were many positive aspects of the CQC report following this visit - with three out of the five categories inspected being classed as good.

"However, we fully recognise that some of the failings identified were serious and we, of course, took all steps to remedy these immediately."

The small care home provides residential care for up to six people with learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorder.